Accountants

Skills13-2011.01

Can you cite an example where you used your logic and mathematical skills to solve an accounting problem?

The interviewer wants you to talk about your skills and how you're qualified for the job by looking at the fundamentals needed to perform the tasks within it. This will be a more detail oriented line of questioning than perhaps some others but an extremely critical one. As an accountant you're probably frequently asked about how experienced you are with solving math problems. Give a specific example but also talk about your approach to solving problems and how the solution helped your company. When responding to a question like this it is often useful to use the C.A.R. or Challenge, Action, Result strategy. For example, talk about the challenge you were confronted with, the actions you took and the results you achieved. The interviewer will appreciate knowing that you are a problem solver who has a record for achieving results. This is one of the questions that's predictable and you should be ready for it when asked. Just as mastering a skill needs practice, so does answering an interview question about it. Ideally, your initial response will assure an interviewer that you have all the necessary skills to perform in the job. If asked follow-ups, go through whatever details you need to in order to re-emphasize your experience and abilities.